Scientist, R&D - Product Dev

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This Research & Development Scientist role leads product development initiatives for the Shelf Stable Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals business unit. The scientist will drive technical projects across brands including Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac & Cheese, supporting growth, product superiority, and product resilience to ingredient and industry headwinds through innovative solutions.

The position leads development of new product formulations, portfolio renovations, productivity projects, and supply continuity initiatives across multiple brands and formats. It guides projects from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw-material-to-finished-product specifications. The role manages concurrent projects, collaborates with internal and external partners, and coordinates commercialization across manufacturing facilities. Product testing, qualification, and commercialization take place in laboratory and production environments.

The position is based at the Glenview R&D Center and is described as a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, and other sites. Travel is approximately 30% and may include internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related scientific field and at least 2 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and at least 1 year of related experience.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and the interrelationships between ingredients and processes.
• Ability to manage varying degrees of complex projects and multitask.
• Strong communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to connect work to the bigger picture.
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks concurrently and question work priorities when appropriate.
• Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time, including to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.

Nice To Haves

• Process cheese experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new product formulations, portfolio renovation, productivity, and supply continuity initiatives across multiple brands and product formats.
• Drive projects from ideation through commercialization, including benchtop development, final production, and raw-material-to-finished-product specification.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously to deliver against R&D timelines.
• Build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development processes.
• Apply ingredient and process knowledge, experimental design, and data interpretation to make technical recommendations.
• Champion innovation and productivity and influence cross-functional partners to advance project goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues across and beyond the immediate team.
• Coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities.
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus, subject to plan terms and governing documents.
• Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Medical and prescription drug coverage.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Company holidays.
• Leave of absence.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Recognition programs.
• Training.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing programs.
• Family support programs.
• 401(k).
• Life insurance.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Disability coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level